Radiologists, dermatologists to take a hit from PE changes

Why This Topic Matters

Practice expense methodology changes can shift Medicare payment levels across specialties and service types. Understanding the scope of the revision helps practices anticipate reimbursement impacts and track CMS policy changes.

Article Sections

1. Practice expense payment revisions

   Overview of the Medicare practice expense RVU update and the planned phase-in of the revisions. The section frames which specialties and service categories are expected to feel the effects.

2. Key components of the PE-RVU change

   Summary of the major methodology changes discussed in the article, including direct and indirect practice expense calculation approaches and specialty data use.

3. Use of a bottom-up method to calculate direct PE

   Discussion of the shift in how direct practice expense is determined and the broader rationale for the methodology change.

4. Acceptance and use of specialty-specific survey data

   Explanation of CMS interest in specialty-submitted cost data and the role of specialty surveys in the revision process.

5. Elimination of the non-physician work pool

   Coverage of changes affecting procedures without physician work and how CMS planned to handle those services under the revised system.

6. Changes made to the original practice expense proposal

   Notes on additional revisions to the original proposal and the impact of those adjustments on practice expense calculations.